News
ASYCUDA-based Single Window Key to Success
The WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation convened from 22-24 October in Geneva, bringing together representatives from member States to discuss progress on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The meeting provided a platform for countries to share advancements and experiences in trade facilitation and underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (TACB) initiatives. Among the key highlights was Jamaica’s presentation on its successful implementation of an electronic single window for trade system, known as JSWIFT, developed in cooperation with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s ASYCUDA Programme.
The Jamaican delegation, represented by Mr. Andre Williams, Chief Information Officer of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), shared insights on the development and operational progress of JSWIFT, which has been implemented as a core component of Jamaica’s TFA obligations. The Single Window for Trade initiative, rooted in Article 10.4 of the TFA, simplifies and streamlines trade processes, reducing administrative burdens on businesses while fostering transparency and efficiency in customs procedures.
Background of JSWIFT Development
Jamaica ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in January 2016 and subsequently committed to creating a single window system. As part of this commitment, the Jamaican government engaged ASYCUDA to collaborate on the system’s development. The JCA was appointed as the lead implementing entity, responsible for operating JSWIFT in partnership with other Partner Government Agencies (PGAs).
In 2020, after several years of planning, development, and coordination, JSWIFT was launched, marking a significant milestone in the country’s trade facilitation journey. The system builds on the ASYCUDAWorld customs management system which was launched in 2014. JSWIFT is expected to integrate 20 PGAs by the end of 2025 with 12 PGAs having been successfully onboarded to date. The project has been largely self-funded, showcasing Jamaica’s commitment to sustained trade reform.
Key Benefits of JSWIFT
During his presentation, Mr. Williams highlighted several benefits JSWIFT has brought to Jamaica’s trade landscape. For example, by implementing the system, Jamaica has been able to streamline its customs procedures significantly, helping to simplify processes; standardize data and documentation; enhance interoperability; and save time and costs.
Tangible Results of the Single Window
Mr. Williams provided several statistics that reflect the measurable impact JSWIFT has had since its launch. One example is the efficiency of Trade Board Limited, which now processes 71% of requests for certificates of origin within four hours and 82% of requests within eight hours. Moreover, JSWIFT’s e-payment capabilities have proven transformative, with 98% of payments now being processed electronically, significantly improving transaction speed and convenience.
In financial terms, JCA estimates that through the reduction of paperwork and the digitization of processes via ASYCUDAWorld and JSWIFT, the agency has saved “in excess of J$1 billion” over the past nine years.
Jamaica’s experience with JSWIFT stands as a testament to the transformative power of ASYCUDA systems and the potential for digital solutions to streamline global commerce, providing a replicable model for countries aiming to reduce trade barriers and foster economic growth, while adhering to the obligations of the WTO TFA.
Geneva, Switzerland. 25 October 2024
ASYCUDA-based Single Window Key to Success
The WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation convened from 22-24 October in Geneva, bringing together representatives from member States to discuss progress on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The meeting provided a platform for countries to share advancements and experiences in trade facilitation and underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (TACB) initiatives. Among the key highlights was Jamaica’s presentation on its successful implementation of an electronic single window for trade system, known as JSWIFT, developed in cooperation with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s ASYCUDA Programme.
The Jamaican delegation, represented by Mr. Andre Williams, Chief Information Officer of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), shared insights on the development and operational progress of JSWIFT, which has been implemented as a core component of Jamaica’s TFA obligations. The Single Window for Trade initiative, rooted in Article 10.4 of the TFA, simplifies and streamlines trade processes, reducing administrative burdens on businesses while fostering transparency and efficiency in customs procedures.
Background of JSWIFT Development
Jamaica ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in January 2016 and subsequently committed to creating a single window system. As part of this commitment, the Jamaican government engaged ASYCUDA to collaborate on the system’s development. The JCA was appointed as the lead implementing entity, responsible for operating JSWIFT in partnership with other Partner Government Agencies (PGAs).
In 2020, after several years of planning, development, and coordination, JSWIFT was launched, marking a significant milestone in the country’s trade facilitation journey. The system builds on the ASYCUDAWorld customs management system which was launched in 2014. JSWIFT is expected to integrate 20 PGAs by the end of 2025 with 12 PGAs having been successfully onboarded to date. The project has been largely self-funded, showcasing Jamaica’s commitment to sustained trade reform.
Key Benefits of JSWIFT
During his presentation, Mr. Williams highlighted several benefits JSWIFT has brought to Jamaica’s trade landscape. For example, by implementing the system, Jamaica has been able to streamline its customs procedures significantly, helping to simplify processes; standardize data and documentation; enhance interoperability; and save time and costs.
Tangible Results of the Single Window
Mr. Williams provided several statistics that reflect the measurable impact JSWIFT has had since its launch. One example is the efficiency of Trade Board Limited, which now processes 71% of requests for certificates of origin within four hours and 82% of requests within eight hours. Moreover, JSWIFT’s e-payment capabilities have proven transformative, with 98% of payments now being processed electronically, significantly improving transaction speed and convenience.
In financial terms, JCA estimates that through the reduction of paperwork and the digitization of processes via ASYCUDAWorld and JSWIFT, the agency has saved “in excess of J$1 billion” over the past nine years.
Jamaica’s experience with JSWIFT stands as a testament to the transformative power of ASYCUDA systems and the potential for digital solutions to streamline global commerce, providing a replicable model for countries aiming to reduce trade barriers and foster economic growth, while adhering to the obligations of the WTO TFA.